The Met Office’s updated weather program now contains marine forecast information and water safety advice for the Easter weekend.
Unsettled weather can present challenges for some who intend to visit the beach this Easter weekend, making it even more important to keep a check on the weather.
For anyone using the Met Office’s updated weather app, they will not only be able to stay on top of the weather but will also be able to access forecast information and advice for over 500 beaches in the UK and Channel Islands.
Popular or unique coastal areas included in the Met Office app update are:
- Rhossili Bay, Wales
- Bamburgh Castle on the coast, Northumberland
- Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
- Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland
- West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
Annie Shuttleworth is a weather forecaster for the Met Office. He said: “The new features of the Met Office’s weather tool, particularly tide times and safety advice, complement existing weather information, giving everyone access to coastal safety information and weather forecasts in one place.
“We’ve worked with the RNLI – our water safety partner – to provide a wealth of information that will help all visitors get the most out of their cruise.”
A new set of features will include:
- Safety advice, including the latest rip currents, wind and wave safety, and general beach safety
- High and low tide periods,
- Ocean data, including the lowest and highest tides for the day
- A map showing the location of one of the 500 beaches and a link to a preview of that beach
In the coming weeks, more features will be added:
- The temperature of the sea.
- Hourly distribution of tides
- Added unit options that enable users to choose between feet and meters for wave height.
The latest news is complemented by handy tips to help visitors make the most of their visits to our beaches and beaches.
Samantha Hughes, RNLI Water Safety Partner, said: “If you’re going to the beach over the Easter holidays, it’s important to check the weather and be prepared – the air temperature may be warmer but the water is still cold.
“If you find yourself in trouble in the water, or see someone struggling, remember to float for life. Relax and try to breathe normally. Keep your head back and your ears buried. Use your hands to help you stay afloat – it’s okay if your feet sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to a local emergency.9 coast guard.”
The updated Met Office app is available for iOS and Android users. Existing users will need to upgrade their devices themselves if they don’t have the upgrade kit already selected to take advantage of the coast feature.
New functionality within the app complements popular features including:
- Interactive maps for cloud, rain, temperature and weather alerts that enable users to track the path of rain and see where it is headed.
- Time of sunrise and sunset
- Hourly indicators, as well as daily indicators, help users find more information and conditions on days when the weather changes.
- Wind map – which describes the wind speed, wind speed and direction at your chosen location
- Video projections to provide contextual advice to add more value to the app
You can find more information on water safety here https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/travel/out-and-about/10-beach-safety-tips
The Met Office weather app is available in the following formats:
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.gov.metoffice.weather.android&hl=en_GB
iOS
https://apps.apple.com/si/app/met-office-weather-forecast/id1068146838
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